Search Results (11,237)

Climate change-induced abiotic stress, particularly heat and drought during olive oil accumulation, significantly threatens the productivity and oil quality of olive trees (Olea europaea L.). This study investigated the efficacy of pre-harvest elicitation using the biostimulants harpin and chitosan (both as commercially available products) under summer conditions in Greece, in commercially productive rainfed groves of cv. ‘Megaritiki’. Multivariate analysis (PCA and factor analysis) revealed that pre-harvest application of these elicitors successfully balanced the trade-off between oil yield and quality. Both harpin and chitosan maintained hydrolytic (free acidity—0.25 and 0.29 g oleic acid 100 g⁻¹, respectively, compared to 0.56 g oleic acid 100 g⁻¹ in the control) and primary oxidative markers (peroxides—4.16 and 4.16 meq O₂ kg⁻¹, respectively, compared to 5.20 meq O₂ kg⁻¹ in the control) at exceptionally low levels compared to untreated trees. The treatments induced a distinctive metabolic shift regarding volatile compounds governed by the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Harpin application was strongly associated with complex floral and fruity volatile compounds (2-hexen-1-ol and trans-2-hexenal) and a high α-tocopherol concentration (38.58 mg kg⁻¹ compared to 23.12 mg kg⁻¹ in the control), suggesting an enhanced physiological response in favor of oil quality attributes. Conversely, chitosan elevated the oxidative stability of the oil by increasing total phenol concentration (by almost 97% compared to the control) and prioritizing the accumulation of the stable monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid—increased by 12.5% compared to the control) over polyunsaturated ones (linoleic acid), while endowing the oil with desirable “green freshness” aromas (cis-3-hexenal). These results demonstrate that elicitation with harpin and chitosan is a potent tool for sustainably enhancing extra virgin olive oil quality under rainfed conditions in Greece, steering fruit metabolism toward a premium nutraceutical and sensory profile and enhancing the functional properties of the oil (phenol content, antioxidant capacity, monounsaturated fatty acids, α-tocopherol and squalene). Full article

The herbal tea industry has experienced substantial growth, particularly regarding green tea (Camellia sinensis). In the manufacturing of filter tea, fine herbal dust is generated as a residual by-product during grinding and sieving and is typically discarded as waste. This study aims to explore the application of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for secondary valorisation of green tea herbal dust by investigating the effects of various parameters on extraction efficiency. Antiradical activity of UAE extracts was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and the total phenolic content (TPC) was measured using Folin–Ciocalteu’s assay. Furthermore, selected phenolics were quantified by HPLC and qualitatively characterised by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS). The results demonstrate that UAE parameters have a pronounced influence on the antioxidant activity, TPC, and individual polyphenolic profile of green tea herbal dust extracts. Ethanol–water mixtures at a ratio of around 40–60%, as well as moderate impulse regimes (around 60%) and extraction times (around 10 min), were the most suitable for extracting green tea polyphenols. Epigallocatechin gallate was the predominant phenolic component in most extracts, alongside epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, and gallic acid. The findings highlight the UAE technique as a robust, green, and scalable method for valorising green tea by-products, thereby facilitating the development of high-value natural extracts for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Full article

For the first time, red LED irradiation was applied at pilot scale in the table olive industry to evaluate its influence on Negrinha de Freixo cultivar natural fermentation. Physicochemical parameters, microbial dynamics, and sensory attributes were evaluated between 60 and 95 days, with two irradiation periods (60–70 and 85–95 days). Three conditions were examined: control-static, pumping-brine recirculation, and LED-brine recirculation + red light exposure. Color or texture was not affected. The lowest pH values were consistently observed in the LED-treated samples. Total phenolic compounds in olives showed a slight decrease from 60 to day 95; however, significant differences were only detected between the pumping treatment and the other two conditions. At the end of the first LED irradiation period, a growth of lactic acid bacteria and aerobic mesophilic bacteria was observed in the order of log 1.0 CFU/mL in the brine, and the yeast count (log 1.4 CFU/g) and LAB (log 1.2 CFU/g) in the olives relative to the control, while the second irradiation period did not show a significant effect. Sensory analysis revealed that LED- irradiated olives exhibited the highest hardness (5.6) values, whereas control samples presented the highest perception of putrid defect. Overall, the results demonstrate that red LED photostimulation may be promising for application in the table olive industry. Full article

To clarify cultivar differences in growth performance, yield formation, and bioactive characteristics at the sprout and fresh seed stages, twelve pea cultivars were evaluated. Growth traits, yield formation, and changes in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity during sprouting were assessed, and the nutritional quality and mineral element composition of fresh seeds were also determined. The results showed that cultivars 24-164 and 24-510 exhibited low germination rates and severe cotyledon decay, making them unsuitable for sprout production. Significant differences were observed among the remaining cultivars in growth traits, edible ratio, and yield efficiency, with cultivars 24-724 and 24-486 showing superior processing efficiency and utilization value. During sprouting, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, as well as 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were significantly influenced by both cultivar and light exposure stage. Root length and root diameter were significantly and positively correlated with phenolic accumulation and antioxidant activity. Analysis of fresh seed quality revealed marked inter-cultivar variation in nutritional and health-related traits. Cultivar 24-486 exhibited the highest values for phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Fe and Se accumulation, whereas cultivar 24-013 showed advantages in calcium and potassium contents. These results identify cultivars 24-724 and 24-486 as promising candidates for sprout production and highlight cultivar 24-486 as a dual-purpose genotype for both sprout and fresh seed utilization. Full article

The present study provides an exhaustive exploration of twelve macroalgal species from the Adriatic Sea, including seven brown algae (Ericaria amentacea, Fucus virsoides, Cutleria multifida, Cystoseira compressa, Cystoseira corniculata, Gongolaria barbata and Padina pavonica), three green algae (Codium adhaerens, Codium vermilara and Ulva lactuca), and two red algae (Scinaia furcellata and Asparagopsis taxiformis). Matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) was applied as the extraction technique, using generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvents. The bioactive profile of the extracts was assessed through the quantification of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Among the three phyla, U. lactuca, F. virsoides and S. furcellata exhibited the highest TPC (0.8, 26 and 3.0 mgGAE·g⁻¹) and antioxidant activity (1.9, 38 and 7.5 mgTE·g⁻¹), respectively. Targeted HPLC-MS/MS analysis enabled the identification of nineteen phenolic compounds across all taxa. Chlorophyta showed a characteristic profile enriched in coumarins, benzaldehydes and flavanones, including the selective detection of 7-hydroxycoumarin in species with higher antioxidant potential. Additionally, compounds such as chlorogenic, rosmarinic and caffeic acids exhibited taxon-specific distributions that may explain differences in antioxidant activity. Complementary untargeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-QToF) metabolomics analysis provided broader coverage, revealing eighty metabolites spanning phenolics, sugars, organic acids, lipids, amino acids and their derivatives. Notably, the proposed detection of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) represents the first report of these compounds in macroalgae, alongside a pronounced presence of sulphated phenolics. Overall, these findings provide a robust baseline on the bioactivity and chemical composition of Adriatic macroalgae, highlighting their value as a natural source of functional compounds. Full article

Chitosan-based active films containing microwave-extracted Terminalia catappa leaf extract (TE) and hydrothermally synthesised zinc oxide were developed and characterised. The selected extraction condition (440 W, 20 min, followed by freeze drying) gave 29.5% extract recovery and a total phenolic content of 639.5 mg GAE/g extract. Structural analyses showed that the original crystalline ZnO phase was no longer detectable after film formation under acidic casting conditions, whereas zinc remained present in the film matrix, indicating acid-mediated dissolution and/or structural transformation during casting. Zinc-containing films exhibited higher tensile strength (up to 36.0 MPa), increased glass transition temperature (up to 122.9 °C), and reduced moisture content and water vapour transmission. TE contributed antioxidant activity and light-shielding properties, with antioxidant capacity reaching 22.1 mg Trolox/g film. Films containing ≥0.2% initial ZnO also showed disc-diffusion antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (up to 22.7 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (up to 20.7 mm). A preliminary 7-day banana-wrapping study further suggested that intermediate formulations containing 0.1–0.2% TE and 0.2–0.3% initial ZnO provided a useful balance among mechanical performance, optical properties, antimicrobial activity, and visual preservation. Overall, zinc–polyphenol–chitosan interactions played an important role in governing film structure and functionality. Full article

Medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) fruit presents a good source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to optimize the traditional extraction method, maceration, in order to obtain extracts rich in polyphenols. The total phenolic compounds (TPC) from physiologically ripe (PRMFs) and consumable ripe (CRMFs) medlar fruits were extracted to develop models with high accuracy and prediction capacity by response surface methodology (RSM). Furthermore, the main phenolic compounds in the extracts were quantified using HPLC, and the extracts were tested for antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic activity. The extracts were prepared according to a central composite design. The extraction parameters for both PRMFs and CRMFs were time (30–210 min), ethanol concentration (20–80%) and solid-to-solvent ratio (1:10–1:50). The obtained results indicated that the optimal conditions for the extraction were 210 min, 66.55% ethanol, and 1:50 solid-to-solvent ratio (PRMF), and 120 min, 74.96% ethanol, and 1:50 solid-to-solvent ratio (CRMF). Under the optimized conditions, values for TPC were in agreement with the values predicted by RSM. Isoquercitrin, rutin, procyanidin B2, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the most abundant compounds in both PRMF and CRMF optimized extracts. TPC, antioxidant activity, and inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) among PRMF and CRMF extracts. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach for producing antioxidant-rich polar fractions from Inula salicina L. via pressurised ethanol/water extraction (PLE-EtOH/H₂O), optimised by coupling a central composite design and response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) with Aspen Plus^® simulation. The effects of PLE temperature, extraction time, and EtOH/H₂O ratio for yield, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) measured in ABTS^•+-scavenging, cupric ion reducing antioxidant (CUPRAC) and oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC) assays were assessed via a multi-response optimisation approach. Optimal conditions were set at 82 °C, 27 min, and 60% EtOH (v/v), yielding ~29 g extract per 100 g plant material, characterised by high TPC (227 mg GAE/g), TFC (34 mg QE/g), and TEAC values in the CUPRAC (1473 mg TE/g), ABTS (869 mg TE/g), and ORAC assays (1165 mg TE/g). The TPC and TEAC values of the post-extraction residue were >92% lower than those of unextracted I. salicina, confirming efficient recovery of the major portion of antioxidant-active constituents by PLE-EtOH/H₂O. The high in vitro radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, and photoprotective potential (sun protection factor ~50 at 0.5 mg/mL) of the I. salicina extract are consistent with its phenolic-rich composition, with chlorogenic acid (~97 mg/g extract) and its derivatives being the major constituents. The validated Aspen Plus^® model closely aligned with the CCD-RSM predictions, supporting process scale-up and energy feasibility and demonstrating an industry-relevant, green-solvent PLE process for producing higher value-added I. salicina fractions with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Full article

Picnomon acarna (L.) Cass. is a Mediterranean medicinal plant with limited phytochemical and bioactivity characterisation. In this study, methanolic extracts obtained by maceration (MAC), Soxhlet (SOE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were comparatively investigated to determine their phytochemical composition and biological potential. Liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) analysis identified and quantified 24 phenolic compounds, with hesperidin, chlorogenic acid, and hyperoside as the dominant constituents. The maceration extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (29.06 mg GAE/g extract) and showed superior antioxidant performance across six complementary assays [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), phosphomolybdenum, and ferrous-ion chelation), reflected by the highest relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI = 0.93). Enzyme inhibition assays revealed extraction-dependent activity patterns: Soxhlet and ultrasound extracts demonstrated stronger acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ ≈ 1.23 mg/mL), while Soxhlet extract showed the most potent tyrosinase (AChE) inhibition (IC₅₀ = 1.48 mg/mL). α-Amylase inhibition was comparable among extracts (IC₅₀ = 1.90–2.03 mg/mL). Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong relationships between major phenolics and antioxidant activity. Molecular docking further supported these findings, showing favourable binding affinities of hesperidin, hyperoside, and chlorogenic acid toward α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase, while only chlorogenic acid and hyperoside demonstrated favourable interactions with tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TYRP1), whereas hesperidin did not exhibit a meaningful binding affinity. Overall, the results demonstrate that the extraction strategy significantly influences the phenolic composition and multi-target bioactivity of P. acarna, highlighting its potential as a source of natural antioxidant and enzyme-modulating compounds. Full article

Allium longistylum is a relatively understudied species whose phytochemical composition and biological activities remain largely unexplored. In this study, the first true leaf (FTL) and the second true leaf (STL) of A. longistylum were compared with respect to phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and quorum-sensing (QS) inhibition. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined spectrophotometrically, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays. Antimicrobial and anti-QS activities were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Chromobacterium violaceum. STL exhibited significantly higher TPC and TFC than FTL, consistent with its stronger radical scavenging activity. Both extracts showed moderate antimicrobial activity and reduced violacein production in C. violaceum, indicating interference with QS. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-ESI-MS/MS profiling tentatively identified several phenolic acids and flavonoid derivatives. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of selected phenolic compounds, although several prominent peaks in the chromatograms remained unidentified. Many of the compounds detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC have previously been reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-QS activities; their presence may therefore contribute to the bioactivities observed in both extracts. However, their contribution to the observed effects remains speculative and requires further validation through targeted isolation and bioactivity testing. The results suggest that A. longistylum is a promising source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Full article

To address the challenge of depleting traditional feed resources, this study aimed to biovalorize sweet potato waste (SPW), a major byproduct of the Japanese shochu industry, into a high-value functional animal feed. An innovative two-stage solid-state fermentation (SSF) was employed, featuring an initial aerobic stage with Aspergillus oryzae for substrate degradation, followed by an anaerobic stage with Lactobacillus plantarum for nutritional enhancement. To optimize this complex, multi-variable process, the predictive performance of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Random Forest (RF) machine learning models was compared based on an augmented experimental dataset (N = 80). To ensure statistical robustness and prevent data leakage, a repeated k-fold cross-validation strategy was implemented. The RF model demonstrated significantly superior accuracy and reliability than the ANN model, particularly in predicting the primary metric, crude protein (R² = 0.61 ± 0.04 vs. R² = 0.12 ± 0.15). Subsequently, the validated RF model was integrated with a Constrained Differential Evolution (CDE) algorithm for global parameter optimization. The optimized process was predicted to yield a final product with a crude protein content of 25.0%, alongside significant increases of 114.1% in total amino acids and 123.9% in essential amino acids. These projections were experimentally validated in vitro, confirming the model’s accuracy with a relative error of less than 5%. Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical assays demonstrated a massive degradation of anti-nutritional factors and significant enhancements in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. This study provides a scientifically validated, data-driven framework for the valorization of SPW. It confirms the superior efficacy of ensemble learning methods for optimizing complex bioprocesses with limited data, offering a contribution to the development of a circular bioeconomy and sustainable feed resources. Full article

Smoothies represent a promising vehicle for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and bioactive diversity. However, their formulation often lacks a rigorous analytical validation of phytochemical complementarity. This study establishes a methodological framework for the design of potential functional plant-based beverages, centered on a high-resolution LC-MS/MS-driven strategy. Through a targeted screening of 57 (poly)phenolic compounds, a precise phytochemical mapping of diverse botanical matrices was performed to optimize ingredient selection based on chemical diversity rather than empirical blending. A novel formulation combining Granny Smith apple, green celery, dried green chicory, and peppermint leaves was developed to maximize both bioactive density and structural variety. The resulting matrix achieved a total (poly)phenol concentration of 2947.68 ± 5.17 µg/g dm, encompasses six major subclasses: flavan-3-ols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavonols, flavones, and dihydrochalcones. The results demonstrate that analytical fingerprinting allows for the strategic enrichment of food systems, ensuring a highly characterized and diversified phenolic spectrum. This research shifts the focus toward the evidence-based molecular design of health-promoting foods with verified nutritional properties. Full article

As probiotic microorganisms must remain viable at a certain level throughout the shelf life of fermented foods, various plant-based prebiotics are added to fermented dairy products. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a remarkable food source due to its prebiotic properties, high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. In this study, fermented milks containing different proportions of pea fiber powder (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) were produced using Limosilactobacillus reuteri ACC27, which has probiotic potential, and Streptococcus thermophilus 212S. The addition of pea fiber powder promoted the growth of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ACC27, increasing viable cell counts by approximately 1 log CFU/g compared to the control during storage. In addition, the fermentation time was shortened by approximately 30 min in samples containing pea fiber. Malic (84.07–175.58 mg/kg), lactic (11,670.45–13,791.66 mg/kg), acetic (145.12–240.53 mg/kg) and benzoic acids (17.07–20.34 mg/kg) were detected in all samples. Furthermore, pea fiber supplementation improved physicochemical properties by reducing syneresis and modifying water release behavior, while also increasing viscosity. The addition of pea fiber also enhanced total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the samples. The results of the principal component analysis revealed that the addition of pea fiber powder was associated with potentially improved functional attributes and enhanced probiotic viability under the studied conditions. Full article

Corn bran is a major by-product of corn starch processing. Due to its high cellulose and hemicellulose contents and relatively low lignin abundance, it represents a promising feedstock for biorefineries. However, efficiently deconstructing corn bran cell wall to maximize fermentable sugar yield while minimizing inhibitor formation remains a challenge due to the complex cross-linked structure of its lignocellulosic matrix that hinders substrate accessibility and prone to side reactions during deconstruction. This study systematically evaluated various pretreatment strategies and identified dilute sulfuric acid as the optimal method to maximize hemicellulose dissolution and total sugar recovery while maintaining low levels of refractory phenolic inhibitors (1.03 g/L, far lower than alkaline and sulfite-based pretreatment). Under optimal conditions (0.80% v/v sulfuric acid, 129 °C, and 23 min), the hemicellulose dissolution rate reached 99.58%, with a pentose yield of 0.38 g/g corn bran and hexose yield of 0.16 g/g corn bran. Subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of the solid residue (20 FPU/g initial dry weight cellulase) further released hexose-rich sugars. The integrated process achieved a significant total reducing sugar yield of 0.79 g/g corn bran. These findings demonstrate an effective pathway for the high-value utilization of corn bran and provide a scalable process strategy applicable to other lignocellulosic agricultural wastes for sustainable bioenergy production. Full article

Propolis is a resin collected by bees from several plant sources and used by humans for centuries. Its commercial use is usually based on alcoholic extracts, which is a drawback for some applications. Conversely, oil extracts are non-toxic and capable of extracting and dissolving a wide range of less polar compounds. As previous studies showed that oil extracts presented bioactivity similar to ethanolic extracts, a reproducible method for the extraction of green Brazilian propolis was developed and patented. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the ethanolic and oil extracts of green propolis were compared as well as their ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) profiles, with similar results. A method was developed to recover propolis bioactive compounds from the oily matrix in order to allow its qualitative and quantitative quality control, according to parameters determined by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, and is presented herein for the first time. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents, antioxidant activity and dry mass are comparable to the ethanolic extract. Therefore, OEP can be recommended for the diverse food supplements and cosmetic products that currently use the ethanolic extract of propolis, without the drawbacks of the presence of alcohol in these formulations. Full article